The True Cost of Pain Stigma
Briefly

Cancer affects approximately 20 million people in the U.S. each year, with pain being a common symptom both from the disease itself and its treatments. The stigma associated with opioid use complicates pain management, as providers may hesitate to prescribe these effective medications due to risks of addiction and overdose. Between 1999 and 2022, nearly 727,000 people died from opioid overdoses, making it vital to carefully weigh the benefits of opioids against their potential risks for cancer patients suffering from significant pain.
Pain is a very common side effect of cancer and its treatment, yet many patients endure unnecessary pain during this challenging time.
The stigma surrounding prescription opioid use can impact cancer patients, often leading them to feel judged for their medication choices.
Read at Psychology Today
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